The situation is confused in Iran, after explosions were reported and an unknown number of drones shot down on the morning of Friday April 19. According to the authorities of the Islamic Republic, pseveral machines were “successfully shot down” by Iranian air defense, but no information confirms “so far” a potential missile attack, said Hossein Dalirian, spokesman for Iran’s space agency. “At this time, there has been no air attack outside Isfahan and other parts of the country”, he said, referring to the main city in the center of the country. The Israeli army, which in recent days threatened a response to the Iranian attack on the night of Saturday to Sunday, did not wish to comment immediately. Follow our live stream.
At least three explosions heard around the Shekari military air base. “Several micro aerial vehicles were successfully shot down by the country’s air defense, there is no documentation of a missile attack so far”, said the country’s space agency. The explosions heard are not linked to “no major damage”assures the official Iranian agency Irna. “Important installations, especially nuclear installations, are completely safe and no accidents have been reported there”continues the state organ.
Fear of Israeli reprisals. In recent days, the Jewish state has repeatedly told its allies that it reserves the right to protect itself. “We have no comment at this time.”, an Israeli army spokesperson said on Friday when asked about the explosions reported in Iran. The United States, Israel’s historic supporter, had for its part warned that it would not follow Israel.
Suspension of flights at several airports. While Iran announced that it had activated its air defense means, the authorities temporarily closed several airports in the country, reports the Iranian Mehr news agency. As shown by the specialized site FlightRadar24, planes avoid the area of central and western Iran, and certain flights are redirected towards Turkey and Dubai in particular. Imam Khomeini Airport in Tehran was able to resume operations around 6 a.m. Friday.